Absorbent article with improved fit

ABSTRACT

An absorbent product includes a stiffening element intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the product during its use. The stiffening element is in a plane state before use of the product and extends in the longitudinal direction of the product over the crotch portion and at least some way in over the front portion. The stiffening element has a width at the transition between the crotch portion and the front portion which is adapted to the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter. The side edges of the stiffening element in the front portion of the product diverge in the direction from the crotch portion at least some way in over the front portion and form an acute angle with a line in the longitudinal direction of the product.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/284,887, filed in the United States on Apr. 20, 2001,the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an absorbent product, such as asanitary towel, a panty liner, an incontinence pad, a nappy or the like,which product has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, afront portion, a rear portion, a crotch portion located between the rearportion and the front portion, an absorbent element and a liquidtightlayer and also a stiffening element which is intended to contribute tothe three-dimensional shape of the product during its use.

2. Background Art

A great many features are desired in absorbent products, such as asanitary towel, an incontinence pad, a nappy or the like, which are noteasy to accomplish simultaneously. One such features is that theproduct, for example a sanitary towel, will be capable of catching andabsorbing bodily fluid discharged from the wearer. Conventional sanitarytowels in sizes intended for heavy flows of menstrual fluid have been ofthick and relatively wide design. Sanitary towels of this type aredescribed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,294,091. Thick and relativelywide sanitary towels of this type theoretically have great absorptioncapacity but in practice, when the sanitary towel is subjected tocompression forces when squeezed together between the thighs of thewearer, much of the take-up capacity and absorption capacity can belost. The sanitary towel is squeezed together into an arbitraryrope-like shape which frequently does not offer a sufficiently largereceiving surface for the menstrual fluid discharged, and leakage occursin the case of heavy flows of menstrual fluid. The sanitary towel canalso be pressed together between the thighs of the wearer in such amanner that the side edges of the sanitary towel and the liquidtightlayer are folded in over the liquid-permeable surface and in this wayreduce the size of the liquid-receiving surface available.

Sanitary towels are intended to be positioned inside a pair of briefs,the design of which may vary. In this connection, sanitary towels can bepositioned incorrectly inside the briefs. There is therefore a risk ofthe sanitary towel being, by mistake, positioned too far forward or toofar back or displaced slightly in the lateral direction and therefore ofthe absorption capacity and receiving surface of the whole sanitarytowel not being optimally utilized.

Conventional sanitary towels are generally retained in the briefs of thewearer by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive or friction coatings. Thesanitary towel is fitted by being put in position in the briefs, afterwhich the latter are pulled up into position. When fitting the productinside the briefs, however, it is difficult to achieve a positioningwhich is optimum in relation to the body of the wearer. Use is usuallymade of the crotch portion of the briefs in order to determine where thesanitary towel will be positioned. As sanitary towels are manufacturedin a great many sizes and models, the position and design of the crotchportion provide a particularly unreliable indication of where in thebriefs a sanitary towel is to be positioned, and the functioning of thesanitary towel during use is consequently not always as desired.

Another cause of leakage occurring past sanitary towels attached insidethe briefs of the wearer is that the sanitary towel moves together withthe briefs instead of following the body movements of the wearer. Thismeans that even a sanitary towel which was from the outset positionedcorrectly in the briefs in relation to the body can be pulled out ofthis position by the briefs.

In order to attempt to reduce leakage arising as a result of thesanitary towel being pressed together between the legs of the wearer, ithas become usual to provide the sanitary towels with special attachmentflaps. It is known from, for example, SE 455 668, U.S. Pat. No.4,285,343, EP 0 130 848 EP 0 134 068 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,047 toprovide sanitary towels with flexible side flaps or wings projectingfrom the longitudinal side edges. These are intended to be folded aroundthe edge portions of the briefs of the wearer when the sanitary towel isput on and attached to the outside of the briefs. The side flaps per seconstitute protection against side edge leakage and soiling of thebriefs. Moreover, deformation of the absorption body of the sanitarytowel is counteracted by virtue of the fact that the sanitary towel isanchored at the leg edges of the briefs and is held extended betweenthese during use.

However, a considerable disadvantage of providing absorbent productswith such attachment flaps is that many wearers find it embarrassingthat the attachment flaps are visible on the outside of the briefs. Thisalso means that absorbent products with such attachment flaps cannot beused when, for example, the wearer is wearing a swimsuit.

Another disadvantage of the attachment flaps is that they are relativelydifficult to handle and require many manual operations in order to befitted correctly around the leg edges of the briefs. Furthermore,especially in the case of attachment flaps which extend quite a long wayalong the side edges of a sanitary towel, it can be virtually impossibleto fold the attachment flaps around the curved leg edges of the briefswithout chafing and unattractive creases in the attachment flapsoccurring.

A further problem of sanitary towels with attachment flaps is that thefunctioning of the attachment flaps or wings depends on the design ofthe briefs. It goes without saying that a sanitary towel with attachmentflaps interacts differently with briefs with a wide crotch compared withbriefs with a very narrow crotch.

Attachment flaps or wings on sanitary towels protect the leg edges ofthe briefs from soiling but, as emerged above, are far from being anentirely satisfactory solution.

In order to improve leakproofness, EP 0 067 465 has proposedmanufacturing a two-part sanitary towel in which the two parts areinterconnected only at their end portions. The lower part is fastened inthe briefs of the wearer, and the upper part makes contact with the bodyof the wearer. The idea is that the parts will be able to move slightlyin relation to one another during use. The mobility between the partsis, however, very limited, and the known sanitary towel is stilldependent on the movements of the briefs. Furthermore, there is noguarantee that the upper part will be held in contact with the body ofthe wearer during use.

PCT/SE96/01061 describes another two-part absorbent product in which thetwo parts are movable in relation to one another. This known productalso has limited mobility between the parts and is to a certain extentdependent on the movements of the briefs.

One way of attempting to reduce the risk of edge leakage caused bydeformation of the sanitary towel during use is to provide the sanitarytowel with a preshaped raised portion, what is known as a hump, which isintended to make contact with the genitals of the wearer during use ofthe sanitary towel. Discharged bodily fluid can in this way be caught assoon as it leaves the body of the wearer and be absorbed immediatelyinto the product instead of running out over the surface of the latter.A raised portion also makes it easier for the wearer to position theproduct correctly in relation to the body. French patent publicationFR-A-2 653 328 describes a sanitary towel with a hump in the form of acentral, longitudinal, cylindrical raised portion.

A common way of creating a raised portion has been quite simply to buildit up by arranging a greater quantity of absorption material within thearea of the raised portion. As the absorption material used is in mostcases what is known as cellulose fluff pulp, however, such a raisedportion collapses and loses its shape when it is wetted. In order toproduce a raised portion which is sufficiently large in the wet state aswell, a raised portion consisting of cellulose fluff pulp must compriseso much absorption material that it is altogether too high, hard anduncomfortable to wear in the dry state.

It is also known to produce an article with a raised portion facing thewearer by positioning a shaping element on top of the absorbent core.The disadvantage is that this interferes with the liquid transport downto the absorbent, liquid-retaining absorption core and that leakage canoccur because the shaping element does not have sufficient admissioncapacity or temporary retention capacity. The use of, for example, afoamed material in the raised portion has been proposed. However, it hasproved difficult to produce a foamed structure with sufficiently openpores for good liquid admission into the latter at the same time as thematerial is to have such great retention capacity that liquid is notpressed out in the event of loading originating from the wearer, forexample when the latter sits down.

Another example of a raised portion is described in Swedish patent 507798. Such a raised portion has a predictable shape, both before andduring use, and also keeps its shape irrespective of the movements ofthe wearer and of the wetting to which it is subjected. The raisedportion is anatomically designed, which means that it is relativelynarrow in order to project in slightly between the labia of the wearerduring use without causing discomfort for the wearer.

Although such a raised portion functions well for its purpose, it hasbeen found that when the raised portion is exposed to large quantitiesof bodily fluid over a relatively short period of time, there is a riskthat some of the liquid will run on the outside of the raised portionand flow out past the side edges of the absorbent product. Such leakagecan occur, for example, when the wearer of a sanitary towel has beensitting or lying down for a relatively long period of time and thensuddenly rises. This is because, when the wearer is sitting or lyingdown, a relatively large quantity of menstrual fluid accumulates in thevagina of the wearer. In the event of a sudden change in body position,the entire quantity of accumulated liquid may be discharged at once. Anarrow raised portion of the type described in SE 507 798 does not thenhave a sufficiently large surface to be capable of receiving andabsorbing the entire quantity of liquid in one go, for which reason suchsudden liquid flows often result in leakage.

EP 0 335 252 and EP 0 335 253 have proposed providing an absorbentproduct with a deformation element. The deformation element is acted onby the transverse compressive forces between the thighs of a wearer. Thepurpose of the deformation element is to cause a portion of the productto bulge in the direction of the body of the wearer during use. It isdifficult, however, to control or predict entirely the shape the productwill adopt for each individual wearer. Moreover, it is difficult toensure contact between the body of the wearer and the surface of theproduct, because the degree of bulging is determined entirely by howmuch the product is compressed in the transverse direction.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,380 describes an absorbent product which has apermanent three-dimensional shape. The product has one end portion offlat or concave shape and one end portion provided with a raisedportion. The flat or concave end portion is intended to be positioned infront of the mons Veneris of the wearer, and the end portion comprisingthe raised portion is intended to fit between the buttocks of thewearer. The three-dimensional design of the product is brought about byfolding a fairly stiff absorption body. In order to make the raisedportion permanent, the rear side of the product in the end portion whichis to have the raised portion is provided with a glued surface. When theraised portion has been formed, it is maintained by means of the glue.

There are absorbent products on the market which have a permanent,three-dimensional, boat-like shape and in which the outer shell consistsof a moulded polymer foam.

A considerable disadvantage of permanent three-dimensional products isthat it is difficult to pack a stiff three-dimensional product. Suchproducts require a great deal of space for transport and sale, and itcan be embarrassing for a wearer to carry around a sanitary towel or anincontinence pad which it is impossible to fold and therefore cannot beconcealed in the hand or in the worst case will not even fit in ahandbag.

EP 155 515 describes how an absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel,is imparted a bowl-shaped appearance by virtue of elastic being appliedin a pretensioned state at the longitudinal side edges of the product.The use of elastic complicates manufacture, and there is a risk of theintended elastic effect being lost in connection with packing of theproduct or when the latter is stored in a folded packing state.

It is previously known to design plane absorbent products which adopt athree-dimensional, essentially bowl-like shape when applied. An exampleof this is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,759. This discloses anelongate sanitary towel which consists of a layer of absorbent material,a flexible liquidtight outer layer and a liquid-permeable inner layer.The sanitary towel is provided with a pair of channels formed bystamping, the channels being located on both sides of a longitudinalcentre axis and extending along a curved path over the absorptionmaterial layer. The two paths together form an hourglass-like shapepositioned centrally over the towel. Before use, the sanitary towels areessentially plane but, when they are applied to the wearer, they arefolded into a bowl-like shape, that is to say with liquid-stoppingupright borders outside the channels. A disadvantage of this bowl-likeconstruction is that the borders hold the central portion of thesanitary towel at a distance from the genitals of the wearer, and liquiddischarged from the wearer does not flow directly into the absorbentproduct but can run on the surface, the risk then being obvious thatliquid may find an undesirable transport path in the form of a smallcrease or the like and run straight out of the product in the lateral orlongitudinal direction. Stamped channels in an absorption body also havethe disadvantage that the liquid spread in the absorption layer isdisrupted and that absorption material outside the channels is notutilized, which increases the risk of local oversaturation and attendantleakage from those parts of the absorption layer which are used.

Previously known sanitary towels and the various problems associatedwith them have in the main been discussed above. However, what has beensaid above also applies to incontinence pads. Nappies for children andadults also belong to the same problem area as far as fit in the crotchand take-up of liquid in an absorption body are concerned.

As emerged above, great efforts have been made over many years in orderto attempt to solve all the problems associated with absorbent products,such as sanitary towels. Although great improvements have been made, allthe previously known solutions are associated with some disadvantages.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY

By means of the present invention, an improved absorbent product of thetype mentioned in the introduction has been produced. In one embodimentof the invention the stiffening element is in a plane state before useof the product, the stiffening element extends in the longitudinaldirection of the product over the crotch portion and at least some wayin over the front portion, the stiffening element has a width at thetransition between the crotch portion and the front portion which isadapted to the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on bothsides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter and whichis of the order of 15-45 mm, and the stiffening element also extendssome way in over the rear portion and there comprises two separateportions, one on each side of a longitudinal centre line.

An absorbent product according to one embodiment of the invention has anumber of advantages. It is plane before use, and there are therefore noproblems associated with packing, storing and transporting said product.The embodiment automatically adopts a three-dimensional bowl-like shapein an area in the front portion next to the crotch portion when theproduct is, at its transition between the front portion and the crotchportion, fixed in between said muscle tendons. It is known that thedistance between said muscle tendons is very similar for all people.Fatness of course has an effect on the width between the thighs, but thewidth between the muscle groups is the same, and it is these which maycause a product to feel as if it chafes. The fat tissue lies on theoutside of the muscles but does not contribute to any sensation ofdiscomfort. The distance between said muscle tendons is the sameirrespective of whether the wearer is slim, of normal weight oroverweight. It has been found that what determines whether a wearerexperiences discomfort in the form of pressure or chafing against theinsides of the thighs is whether the absorbent product has a widthduring use which in the critical area considerably exceeds the distancebetween the muscle tendons in the groin portion. This distance has beenfound to be roughly 25-45 mm. It has been found that a product with awidth which exceeds 40 mm in the critical area during use feelsuncomfortable to wear to the majority of wearers. On the other hand, itis rarely experienced as being unpleasant if an absorbent product pushesdown or aside fat tissue which may be present in the crotch area of thewearer.

Surprisingly, it has been found that this distance between said muscletendons does not change throughout the lifetime of a person. Smallinfants therefore have a corresponding critical distance, which,according to the present invention, can be utilized for producingnappies with an improved fit. The same of course applies for nappies foradults. It is to be pointed out that said critical distance between themuscle tendons applies for men also, who have the same distance betweensaid muscle tendons.

An embodiment of the invention is adapted to the anatomy of the wearer.The special geometry around the transition between the crotch portionand the front portion results in a product being anchored firmly in thegroins of the wearer during use, and in this way the product isprevented from moving backwards between the legs of the wearer. This isotherwise a common problem in conventional products because the legmovements of the wearer often shift the product backwards.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stiffeningelement is absorbent and at the same time constitutes the absorbentelement, and it swells during absorption while retaining its geometry inthe transverse direction of the product.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it possible, ofcourse, to have a separate stiffening element behind the absorptionelement, seen from the side facing the wearer. However, in terms ofproduction, it is simpler if a separate stiffening element can beeliminated. It is of course preferable from an environmental point ofview also.

In a preferred embodiment, the width of the stiffening element at thetransition between the crotch portion and the front portion is of theorder of 30-35 mm. It has been found that a width at said transition of30-32 mm fits well for in the order of 80% of all wearers.

The stiffening element preferably has a stiffness of in the order of1-15 N measured according to ASTM D 4032-82. This “Circular BendProcedure” is described in detail in EP 336 578, the entire contents ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stiffeningelement comprises a dry-formed fibre mat with a density between 0.15 and0.75 g/cm³ and a weight per unit area of in the order of 100-400 g/m².

In this context, the term density means the density of the fibrousmaterial, that is to say any highly absorbent particles included in thefibrous material are not to be taken into account.

One such dry-formed fibre mat is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,737.The fibre mat produced is very stiff after forming and compression. Thefibre mat can be used as it is or mechanically softened to the desiredstiffness.

According to a suitable embodiment of the invention, the side edges ofthe stiffening element, which diverge at least some way from the crotchportion in over the front portion of the product, are arranged so as toform an angle between a line in the longitudinal direction of theproduct and each of said side edges are in the order of 35-55°,preferably in the order of 45°. With this geometry in and around thetransition between the crotch portion and the front portion, effectiveanchoring is obtained without the wearer experiencing any discomfort inthe form of chafing or the like.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stiffeningelement also extends some way in over the rear portion of the product,and in that the side edges of the stiffening element, in the directionfrom the crotch portion, diverge at least some way from the crotchportion in over the rear portion of the product. As mentioned above, thecrotch portion of course has a length of 70-120 mm. This lengthcorresponds to the length of a plane portion in the crotch portion of awoman. The stiffening element according to the last embodiment istherefore anchored both at the rear and at the front at the transitionbetween the crotch portion and the rear portion and, respectively, atthe transition between the crotch portion and the front portion, as aresult of which a product which is very stable, well fixed and at thesame time comfortable during use is obtained.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the product isarranged so as, by virtue of the stiffness selected for the stiffeningelement and by virtue of said geometry around the transition between thecrotch portion and the front portion, when the product is positioned inconnection with it being put on with the transition between the frontportion and the crotch portion between said muscle tendons, to be fixedin between these and in this way be transformed from plane form tothree-dimensional form with the front portion curved upwards in relationto the crotch portion and forming a bowl-like shape at least in an areanext to the crotch portion.

Further advantageous embodiments of the product according to theinvention emerge from the subsequent patent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in greater detail below with referenceto illustrative embodiments which are shown in the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an absorbent product according to a firstembodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a section along the line II-II in FIG. 1 but in a curvedutilization state;

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment, slightly modified in relation to theembodiment according to FIG. 1, of a product according to the inventionin a plan view;

FIG. 4 shows a section along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the invention seentowards that surface of the product which receives bodily fluids;

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the product according to FIG. 6 from theopposite side;

FIG. 8 shows a section along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6 but in acurved utilization state;

FIG. 9 shows the product according to the fourth embodiment, also shownin FIGS. 6-8, in perspective and in a utilization state;

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a fifth embodiment, slightly simplified inrelation to the embodiment according to FIGS. 6-9, and

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of an absorbent product according to theinvention in the form of a nappy.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of the invention in the formof a sanitary towel or incontinence pad. The product is elongate with alongitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The product has afront portion 1, a rear portion 2 and a crotch portion 3 located betweensaid portions. The product shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises aliquid-permeable inner layer 4 which is intended to face the wearerduring use of the product. The inner layer, which makes contact directlywith the skin of the wearer, is suitably made from a soft, textile-likematerial. Examples of suitable liquid-permeable materials are varioustypes of what are known as non-woven fabrics. Other examples of suitablematerials are perforated plastic films. Net and knitted or woventextiles and combinations and laminates of said materials can also beused as the inner layer. Examples of inner layers for sanitary towelsare laminates of different non-wovens and laminates of non-wovens andperforated plastic films. The liquid-permeable layer can also beintegrated with underlying drainage or absorption layers, for example afoam plastic with open pores and with a density gradient in the depthdirection can serve as a surface layer and as a drainage layer and/orabsorption layer.

The absorbent product also has a liquidtight outer layer 5. This usuallyconsists of a thin plastic layer, made of polyethylene for example. Itis also possible to use a liquid-permeable material which has beentreated with hydrophobing agent in order to make it liquidtight. Inparticular if the absorbent product is relatively large, it may besuitable for the outer layer to be vapour-permeable in addition to beingliquidtight. Such layers can consist of hydrophobed non-woven fabric orof porous plastic films.

The absorbent product includes an absorbent element 6 of keyhole-likeshape, and a liquid-permeable insulating layer 7 which likewise has akeyhole-like shape but with a greater extent in both the longitudinaldirection and the transverse direction than the absorbent element 6. Theouter layer 5 and the inner layer 4 extend with edge portions outsidethe insulating layer around the latter and are interconnected alongthese edge portions to form a cover around the absorbent element 6 andthe insulating layer 7. In the region of the crotch portion 3, the coverformed by the inner and outer layers extends outwards in the lateraldirection to form flexible side flaps 8, 9, what are known as wings,which are intended to be arranged around the crotch portion on thebriefs of the wearer in order to protect the edge portions of the briefsfrom soiling. The wings 8, 9 are suitably provided with adhesivecoating, which is indicated in FIG. 1 by reference numbers 10, 11, onthe outer layer 5, by means of which the wings can be attached aroundthe legs of the briefs. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the insulating layer7 is located directly inside the inner layer 4 and is principallyintended for rapidly admitting discharged bodily fluid into theunderlying absorbent element 6 and forming a liquid-insulating layer soas to reduce what is known as back-wetting from the absorbent element 6to the inner layer 4 making contact directly with the wearer.

The insulating layer can consist of, for example, an airlaid fibrousmaterial of low density bonded together with bonding agent orthermofibre, which is marketed under the designation LDA (low densityairlaid). The absorbent element 6 is, seen from the liquid-permeableinner layer 4, arranged under the insulating layer 7. In theillustrative embodiment, this element is designed to take up and retainessentially all the bodily fluid discharged. The absorbent element 6 hassmaller capillaries than the insulating layer 7 located above andtherefore draws liquid from the insulating layer and preventsback-wetting by liquid from the absorbent element to the insulatingelement and to the inner layer 4 which remains essentially dry duringuse of the product. Only when the absorbent element is saturated withliquid can transport take place from the absorbent element to theinsulating layer.

In the illustrative embodiment shown, the absorbent element 6 is alsointended to serve as a stiffening element and is for this purposedesigned so as to be very stiff in order as far as possible to avoid theabsorbent product being compressed in an uncontrolled manner in theevent of squeezing forces in the lateral direction generated by thethighs of the wearer in the crotch area. The absorbent stiffeningelement has a size, shape and stiffness which result in the product,throughout its time of use, retaining a predetermined shape and moreoverbeing retained in the intended position on the wearer. As can be seenfrom FIG. 1, the absorbent stiffening element 6 extends over the frontportion, the entire crotch portion 3 and a considerable part of the rearportion 2.

At the transition 12 between the crotch portion 3 and the front portion1, the stiffening element 6 has a width M which is adapted to thedistance between two particular muscle tendons on both sides of thecrotch of the wearer directly in front of the groins. These muscletendons form part of the muscle group which originates on the inside ofthe pelvic diaphragm and has its attachment along the thigh. This musclegroup consists of the adductor brevis, adductor longus, gracilis andadductor magnus muscles. As mentioned above, it is known that thisdistance between said muscle tendons is very similar for all people.This dimension is in the order of 25-45 mm. Research has shown that 80%of all women have a dimension of 30-32 mm between said muscle tendons.When said width M essentially corresponds to the distance between saidmuscle tendons on the wearer, the product will during use be anchoredfirmly with said transition between the muscle tendons and be retainedin this position. The two side edges of the front portion diverge in theforward direction on the product from said transition 12. In this way,the product is prevented from moving backwards between the legs of thewearer. This is a common problem in conventional sanitary towels becausethe leg movements of the wearer often shift the sanitary towelbackwards.

In FIG. 1, an angle between a line in the longitudinal direction of theproduct and each of said side edges been designated by α. In the case ofa large angle α, for example close to 90°, the edges of the frontportion may chafe against the groins and legs of the wearer and in thisway cause discomfort for the wearer.

The smaller the angle α, the greater the risk that the product willslide backwards between the legs of the wearer. In the case of an angleof less than 30°, this risk is high. An angle of 35-45° provides thebest balance between secure positioning and comfort. An angle of roughly45° has been found to be especially favourable.

An exemplary absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel, according toone embodiment of the invention is designed with a crotch length adaptedto the anatomy of the wearer. In one embodiment of a sanitary towelaccording to the invention, use has been made of the fact that the greatmajority of women have a crotch length of in the order of 80-100 mm. Thestiffening element 6 has therefore been designed with a correspondingcrotch length G of in the order of 70-120 mm, that is to say thedistance from the transition 12 to the start of the rear portion. Alongthe crotch, where the body shape of the wearer is essentially plane, thesanitary towel according to the invention is designed so as in the drystate to be relatively stiff in the lateral direction, that is to say itis sufficiently stiff not to be deformed in an uncontrolled manner inthe lateral direction and form creases. As the stiffening element 6 inthe embodiment described here also constitutes the major part of theabsorption capacity of the sanitary towel, it is preferable to becapable of utilizing available space between the legs of the wearer inthe crotch. The width of the sanitary towel in the crotch area is, withregard to the stiffening element, limited at the front by said distancebetween said muscle tendons directly in front of the groins of thewearer. In the backward direction from said transition area to the endof the crotch portion, the width of the stiffening element 6 and thusthe absorbent element can increase continuously to in the order of 1.5times the width at the transition 12 between the crotch portion and thefront portion without any risk of the stiffening element chafing thewearer in the crotch.

The abovementioned geometrical design of the area in and around thetransition 12, that is to say the size of the angle α and the width M,and also the selected crotch length G on the stiffening element for theproduct according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, affords avery good anatomical adaptation of the stiffening element, which givesthe product a good fit and stability in the fitted position on thewearer. This is of particularly great importance for the functioning ofthe product, not least because the wetting point can, on account of thebody position of the genitals of the wearer in the longitudinaldirection of the crotch area, vary by as much as in the order of 20 mmfor different wearers. As the available space around the wetting pointis very limited in width and length, optimum positioning and anchoringin this position of the stiffening absorbent element is preferable. Thisis achieved by means of said distances M and G selected and said angle αselected.

The anchoring effect is achieved at said muscle tendons even when thewidth M on the product is slightly less than the distance between saidmuscle tendons directly in front of the groins. The two edge portions ofthe front portion diverge in the forward direction, and the product canslide backwards slightly until the edge portions are anchored firmlybetween said muscle tendons. The distance M on the product is suitablyof the order of 15-35 mm and preferably 25-30 mm. The latter distancefits most wearers. If the distance exceeds roughly 35 mm, such productsmay feel uncomfortable to some wearers. A distance in excess of 45 mmmay be undesirable because such products may cause discomfort in theform of chafing for most wearers.

The stiffening element 6 and therefore the absorption element alsoextend some way in over the rear portion 2 of the product. In the rearportion of a preferred embodiment, the stiffening element has a cutout13 extending from the end edge of the element in the direction of thecrotch portion, as a result of which the product can fold along alongitudinal line L in the cutout and the stiffening element forms legs14 and 15 which are located on both sides of the cutout and are moreflexible than the wider crotch portion. The legs 14 and 15 can be madevertically movable in relation to one another by selecting the width ofthe cutout accordingly. This cutout 13 aids in the adaptation andflexibility of the product in relation to the body. The fold formed inthe cutout during use of the product can penetrate the cleft between thebuttocks of the wearer and in this way provides very good protectionagainst leakage via the cleft between the buttocks, which type ofleakage usually occurs during the use of conventional products when thewearer is lying on her back. The cutout 13 also makes it possible forsaid legs 14, 15 on the stiffening element to be displaced vertically inrelation to one another during different body movements, for examplewhen the wearer is walking.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cutout 13 iswedge-shaped and located symmetrically in relation to the longitudinalsymmetry line L of the product and also forms an angle β of in the orderof 20°. This angle can vary within wide limits but of course depends onthe design of the rear portion 2. In the case of a considerably widerdesign of the rear portion, such as in the design according to FIG. 5,said angle β can vary between 10° and 120°, preferably between 15° and40°.

In the illustrative embodiment shown, the stiffening element 6 alsoserves as the main absorption element of the product and has very greatliquid-spreading capacity for rapid spreading of bodily fluid receivedfrom the wearer in the narrow crotch area directly in front of thegenitals of the wearer over the absorbent portions of the whole product,that is to say over the entire stiffening and at the same timeliquid-absorbing element 6. This stiffening absorbent element isdesigned so as to swell in the depth direction during absorption and onthe whole retain its geometry in the transverse direction of theproduct, which results in the stiffening element retaining its fit andsecure positioning in relation to the body of the wearer throughout useof the product. The absorbent stiffening element 6 has great swellingcapacity in the depth direction and attendant great absorption capacity.

According to a suitable embodiment, the stiffening absorbent element 6consists of a dry-formed fibre mat with a density between 0.15 and 0.75g/cm³ and a weight per unit area of in the order of 100-400 g/m². Anexemplary dry-formed fibrous mass in the form of a fibre mat isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,737. The fibre mat produced is verystiff after forming and compression. The fibre mat can be used as it isor mechanically softened to the desired stiffness.

The fibre mat for forming the stiffening absorbent element can consistof a mixture of cellulose fibres and viscose fibres, the presence of thelatter fibres giving the fibre mat a greater wet strength than a fibremat made of only cellulose fibres. The fibre mat for forming thestiffening absorbent element can also contain synthetic melt fibres, andthe strength of the fibre mat can then be increased by heat treatment tomelt said synthetic melt fibres.

The selection of a compression pattern also makes it possible to varythe extensibility of the fibre mat. The dry-formed fibre mat can beimparted the desired reduced stiffness and the desired extensibility byvirtue of the degree of compression selected and the compression patternselected.

Furthermore, it is possible to pattern-compress only specific zones forthe purpose of imparting to only these zones an extensibility andstiffness which are different from the rest of the stiffening absorptionelement. In the same way, the stiffening absorption element can becompressed over its entire extent but with different patterns indifferent zones. By means of the presence of a stiffening absorptionelement which can in a simple manner, by virtue of the patterncompression selected, be imparted the desired stiffness and the desiredextension in different zones, and in which the stiffness and extensionproperties can be selected essentially freely in these zones, thecontrolling and guiding the shaping of an absorbent product intended fortaking up bodily fluids can be accomplished in a new and previouslyunknown way.

As mentioned above, the stiffening absorbent element 6 has greatswelling capacity in the depth direction, which, when a dry-formed fibremat as above is used, has been achieved by great compression of thefibre mat in conjunction with its production. In the dry state, thefibre mat is hard-compressed and stiff, which affords the shaped andanatomically adapted absorption element very good stability in thefitted position on the wearer and very great spreading capacity, as aresult of which the total absorption capacity of the absorption elementcan be optimally utilized and leakage caused by local oversaturation canto a great extent be eliminated. During absorption of liquid, theabsorption body swells mainly in the depth direction but the absorptionelement does of course swell slightly in other directions as well. Whenthe anatomically adapted stiffening absorption element swells, furtherimproved anatomical adaptation is in fact achieved, which contributes tothe stability and flexibility of the product in relation to the bodyshape of the wearer when the stiffness of the absorption elementdecreases during absorption and attendant swelling.

So as to function in the desired manner, the stiffening elementpreferably has a stiffness in the dry state of in the order of 1-15 Nmeasured according to ASTM D 4032-82. This “Circular Bend Procedure” isdescribed in detail in EP 336 578.

The stiffening absorbent element can also consist of a laminate of anumber of non-woven fabric layers or tissue layers which are mutuallyfixed for increased stiffness and which have highly absorbent particlesbetween the individual layers. The individual layers can be fixed to oneanother by a bonding agent, such as adhesive or melt fibres. The highlyabsorbent particles can also contribute to bonding. The stiffness iscontrolled by means of the selection of the number of layers andquantity of bonding agent included and the selection of highly absorbentmaterial and how the adhesive capacity of the latter is utilized.

A stiffening absorbent element of this type can also be imparteddifferent stiffness and different extensibility in different zones ofthe extent of the element. These properties can in this case as well becontrolled by means of the compression pattern. This compression can becombined with the supply of heat, which supply can vary in differentzones. Furthermore, bonding agent can be applied in different patternsto control the shaping of the stiffening absorption element during use.A varying supply of moisture in different areas in conjunction withcompression is another parameter for controlling the shaping of theproduct during use.

Another example of the construction of a unit serving as both absorptionelement and stiffening element is a number of layers of LDA, that is tosay layers of the same type as in the draining and insulating layer 7.However, the layers of LDA in the stiffening absorption element arebonded much more firmly both within and between the individual layers.This bonding is brought about by hard compression of the LDA layers andsuitably by using both melt fibres and latex, what is known as themultibond technique. In this design as well, stiffness and extensibilitycan be controlled by means of the selection of compression pattern andby variation of the heat supply in different zones.

Pattern compression can be used in all the material examples describedabove, and it is then possible to achieve, for example, hinge effectsalong compression lines or compression zones.

Pattern formation can take place in conjunction with compression of thestiffening absorption element. Alternatively, pattern compression cantake place in a separate step after smooth compression. Use can be madeof, for example, a web of a material made in one of the ways describedabove and smooth-compressed as the starting material for the stiffeningabsorption element, which is pattern-compressed in the desired mannerand depending on the type and size of product to be manufactured. Afterpattern-compression, individual products are cut out.Pattern-compression and cutting-out of separate stiffening absorptionelements can take place in a single step in a combined cutting andpattern-compression unit.

As described above, the stiffening element can also constitute the mainabsorption element of the product. This is particularly suitable fromthe point of view of production because there are fewer elements tohandle than if, for example, the stiffening element and the absorptionelement constitute separate elements.

The invention also comprises designs in which the stiffening element isseparate from the main absorption element of the product. The stiffeningelement can then be absorbent or non-absorbent. The main purpose in thecase of such a design is to constitute a stiffening shaping element.

In addition to the interpretation of the term stiffening element asconstituting a completely separate element or constituting both the mainabsorption element and the stiffening element of the product, the termcan also embrace the interpretation that all the material plies, bondingagents etc. included in the product in the area of the desiredstiffening together form the desired stiffening element. For example, aunit serving as a stiffening element and at the same time as anabsorption element, with the M and G dimensions indicated above and withthe geometry described above but with stiffness which is per seinadequate, is included in the invention if the desired stiffness isobtained by being bonded together with other material plies in the areaof the stiffening element.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 differs from the embodiment shownin FIGS. 1 and 2 only in that an elastic means 16 is arranged in apretensioned state in the longitudinal direction of the product andcentrally along the rear portion 2 of the product. The same referencenumbers have been used in FIGS. 3 and 4 as in the embodiment accordingto FIGS. 1 and 2.

The elastic means 16 is arranged centrally in the cutout and extends inthe rear portion slightly beyond the ends of the legs 14 and 15 and inthe other direction some way in over the crotch portion. The elasticmeans is arranged on the inside or on the outside of the liquidtightouter layer and is connected to the latter and/or other layers formingpart of the product. The extent of the elastic means is not critical butcan vary somewhat in relation to the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 3. One purpose of the elastic means 16 is, during use of theproduct, to draw adjacent material portions together and curve theproduct in the upward direction towards the body of the wearer forbetter contact with the body. Another purpose is also to initiate andform the fold 17 which, during use of the product, is intended topenetrate a little way into the cleft between the buttocks of the wearerand prevent leakage of bodily fluid backwards along the cleft betweenthe buttocks, which leakage can otherwise occur when the wearer is lyingon her back.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the components which correspond tosimilar parts in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1-4 have beenprovided with the same reference numbers. The product in the embodimentaccording to FIG. 5 is provided with a considerably wider rear portion2. The product also differs from the embodiments described above in thatthere are no wings for attachment around the crotch portion of thebriefs of the wearer.

The stiffening element 6 extends with its leg portions 14, 15 in overthe rear portion 2. The outer side edges 18, 19 on the legs 14, 15 ofthe stiffening element 6 diverge from the crotch portion in over therear portion. In a rear transition area 20 between the crotch portion 3and the rear portion 2, said outer edge sides 18, 19 abruptly changedirection in relation to the edge sides 22, 23 on the stiffening elementin the crotch portion of the product.

The purpose of the edge sides 18, 19 of the stiffening element divergingin the backward direction on the rear portion 2 is that the product, inaddition to being anchored firmly at the transition 12 between the frontportion and the crotch portion, will also be anchored at the rear in thetransition area between the crotch portion 3 and the rear portion 2, asa result of which the product is very stable and well fixed on thewearer during use at the same time as it feels comfortable for thewearer by virtue of its anatomical adaptation in terms of shape, sizeand geometry. In the drawing, an angle between the longitudinaldirection of the product and each outer edge side 18, 19 has beendesignated γ. For a good anchoring function, this angle shouldpreferably not be less than roughly 30°. Furthermore, so as not to feeluncomfortable, the angle should preferably not exceed roughly 60°.

The distance G between the transition areas 12 and 20 is adapted to thecrotch length of a wearer and, as mentioned above in connection with theembodiments according to FIGS. 1-4, this distance G is suitably in theorder of 70-120 mm. As mentioned above, the essentially plane area ofthe crotch of women directly in front of the genitals has a length of inthe order of 80-100 mm, that is to say all women are essentially thesame size in this plane area. It has been found that a crotch dimensionG on the product of in the order of 70-120 mm functions well for mostwearers. The larger the angles α and γ and the stiffer the stiffeningelement, the more important it is that the crotch dimension on theproduct corresponds to the length of the plane crotch portion of theintended wearer directly in front of her genitals if the product is notto feel uncomfortable.

It may therefore be suitable to have a range of sizes of the productaccording to the invention depending on the selection of stiffness andsaid angles, so that different wearers can find a suitable size withregard to dimensions and angles. This of course applies to all theembodiments of the invention described here but is particularlyimportant when the product is intended to be anchored both at the frontand at the rear. The requirement for size adaptation also increases forall the embodiments the stiffer the absorbent element is.

The stiffening element and at the same time the absorption element 6 inthe embodiment according to FIG. 5 has a cutout 13. As in the otherillustrative embodiments described above, this is wedge-shaped but has alarger angle β which in FIG. 5 is obtuse. The angle β can be variedwithin wide limits between 10° and 120°. How large a cutout 13 isrequired depends on the function required of the legs 14 and 15 and onthe absorption capacity desired in the rear portion 2 of the product.

The smaller the angle β with the same width on the rear portion as awhole and with the same angle γ, the wider the legs 14, 15 are, which inturn results in increased absorption capacity and increased stiffness inthe rear portion.

The size of the cutout also affects the height of the fold 17. Thisheight of the fold and the shaping of the rear piece 2 also depend onthe pretensioning and extent of the elastic means 16.

The illustrative embodiment of the product according to the inventionshown in FIG. 5 can serve as, for example, a night towel. Like the otherembodiments, this embodiment is also suitable as an incontinence pad.This type of protection is to be capable of dealing with rapidlyreceiving large quantities of liquid discharged at a great flow ratefrom the wearer.

A product of the type shown in FIG. 5 can, in combination withsupporting briefs or with elastic pants adapted specially for supportingthe product, serve as a nappy for receiving both urine and faeces. Ifthe product is to serve as a nappy, the cutout 13 should be relativelylarge, corresponding on the whole to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, inorder that it will be possible for discharged faeces to be taken up inthe cutout 13 of the rear portion.

FIGS. 6-9 show a suitable embodiment of a product according to theinvention. This embodiment corresponds in many respects to theembodiments according to FIGS. 1-4, and those parts corresponding to thesame parts in the embodiments described above have been provided withthe same reference numbers in the drawing.

A way of reducing further the risk of edge leakage caused by thesanitary towel being deformed during use, in addition to the arrangementof the stiffening element 6, is to provide the sanitary towel with araised portion, what is known as a hump, which raised portion or humphas been designated by 240. The raised portion or hump is intended tomake contact with the genitals of the wearer during use of the sanitarytowel. Discharged bodily fluid can in this way be caught as soon as itleaves the body of the wearer and be absorbed immediately into theproduct instead of running out over the surface of the latter.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, the hump is brought about by ahump-forming element 24 which, as can be seen most clearly from FIG. 8,is arranged below the stiffening element 6 inside the liquid-impermeableouter layer 5. The positioning of the hump-forming element results in anumber of advantages. Admission of bodily fluid is not interfered withby hump material in direct proximity to the genitals of the wearer, butthe parts located closest to the genitals of the wearer can be optimizedwith regard to admission and absorption capacity. The positioningselected for the hump-forming element below the stiffening element 6 incombination with the positioning along the crotch portion of the productalso results in the positive effect that the product curves and shapesitself in the desired manner when fitted on the wearer. At thetransition 12 between the crotch portion 3 and the front portion, as canbe seen from FIG. 9, a point of inflexion is formed, in front of which,that is to say in the front portion of the product, the product isconcave at least over a portion closest to said transition 12. Behindsaid point of inflexion, that is to say along the crotch portion of theproduct, the product is, in the area directly in front of thehump-forming element 24, convex, that is to say the stiffening element 6is curved in this area, upwards in the crotch portion 3, as can be seenmost clearly from FIGS. 8 and 9. In addition to bringing about theraised portion 240 on the front side of the product, the hump-formingelement makes it possible to guide the stiffening element in the desireddirection of curvature at different points of the extent of thestiffening element.

The hump-forming element 24 comprises, for example, a non-absorbentsynthetic wadding which has resilient properties. Such a hump-formingelement retains its shape and function even when the material is in awet state.

The hump-forming element can also comprise a foamed material, forexample polyurethane foam.

As the hump-forming material is, in the embodiment shown, located belowthe absorbent element 6, which also serves as the stiffening element,the hump-forming material can be liquid-absorbing. In such anembodiment, it is suitable to select a material which has largercapillaries than the absorption element has, so that liquid can betransported to the hump-forming material only when the absorptionelement is saturated with liquid. A hump-forming absorbent fibrous layerwhich has resilient properties only in the dry state can therefore alsobe used in such a construction because the material is essentially dryuntil the absorption element itself is saturated with liquid. Thepositioning of the hump-forming element 24 below both the stiffening andthe absorbent element therefore affords a number of importantadvantages.

The element forming the raised portion 240 has an elongate shape andextends over the entire crotch portion in the illustrative embodimentshown. The length of the raised portion can vary between roughly 20 mmand 120 mm.

The element 24 forming the raised portion is narrower than the productas a whole in the crotch area. In this way, it is possible for laterallysurrounding portions 25, 26 of the product as a whole to shapethemselves around the element 24 forming the raised portion. Thematerial forming the raised portion is suitably at least twice as thickas the surrounding areas 25, 26.

In FIG. 8, the product has been shown in curved, three-dimensional formfor the sake of clarity. An absorbent product of the type described hereis of course always three-dimensional in the conventional sense, that isto say it has length, width and thickness.

In this context, however, the term three-dimensional means that theproduct must be curved in some way to adapt to the body shape of thewearer.

In this context, the term plane form means that the product isessentially planar. The product shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is essentiallyplaniform according to this definition in spite of the fact that theelastic means draws the material layers together in the cutout 13between the legs 14, 15.

Products in plane form according to FIGS. 6 and 7 can be packed simply,for example in stacks in a box or bag and yet, when put on, be made toadopt an anatomically adapted three-dimensional shape, as shown in FIGS.8 and 9, without any measures whatsoever.

By virtue of its special construction with the dimension of the distanceM between said muscle tendons, the hump-shaped element 24, the action ofthe elastic means 16 and the stiffness and geometric shape of thestiffening element 6, the product is anatomically adapted andpredestined to adopt during handling a three-dimensional shape accordingto FIGS. 8 and 9 adapted to the body shape of the wearer.

In the illustrative embodiment shown, the stiffening and at the sametime absorbent element 6 has the same stiffness properties over itsentire extent. As a result, uncontrolled creases, which could give riseto uncontrolled and unintentional liquid flow, do not normally ariseover the extent of the stiffening element. At the transition 12 betweenthe crotch portion 3 and the front portion 1, a curvature is initiatedbecause the product as a whole changes its flexural resistance here, onthe one hand on account of the hump-forming element having its enddirectly in front of this transition and on the other hand because thestiffening element is at its narrowest here with a dimension M adaptedto the distance between said muscle tendons on the wearer. At thistransition 12, a point of inflexion 27 is formed, in front of which theproduct is concave and bowl-shaped, whereas it adopts a convex shapebehind this point of inflexion 27. In the embodiment according to FIG.9, the hump-forming element is rounded at the front along a line 28. Inthis way, the stiffening element is caused by this rounded line to adoptan evenly rounded bowl shape in the front portion, as can be seen fromFIG. 9.

In the transition area 20 between the crotch portion 3 and the rearportion 2 as well, the hump-forming element 24, which in the embodimentshown extends as far as said transition area 20, is rounded at its rearend. As a result, no undesirable creases arise, but the transitionbetween the convex crotch portion and the two side portions of the rearportion 2 sloping downwards around the fold 17 formed by the elasticmeans 16 is even and smooth without undesirable creases.

The raised portion 240 formed by the hump-forming element 24 also hasthe advantage that the fold extending into the cleft between thebuttocks of the wearer does not extend in too abruptly or too far andgive rise to chafing. In this respect also, the hump provides a softtransition in the transition area between the crotch portion and therear portion.

In all the embodiments described above, it is suitable, although notnecessary, for the product to be provided with a pressure-sensitiveadhesive on the outside of its liquid-impermeable outer layer 5. Thishas been indicated in FIG. 7 by adhesive strands 29 which, before use ofthe product, are covered in a conventional manner by a cover strip (notshown) treated with release agent. Although the product according to theinvention is anatomically adapted, it is suitable, for reliable securepositioning, to have a pressure-sensitive adhesive on theliquid-impermeable outside of the product for interaction with thebriefs of the wearer, which contributes to keeping the product in theintended position on the wearer.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment which is modified slightly in relation tothe embodiment according to FIGS. 6-9. Those parts in the productaccording to FIG. 10 corresponding to similar components in theembodiment according to FIGS. 6-9 have been provided with the samereference numbers.

The product shown in FIG. 10 is simpler in terms of manufacture than theembodiment according to FIGS. 6-9. The product according to FIG. 10 hasno longitudinal elastic in the cutout 13 between the legs 14 and 15 ofthe stiffening element 6.

During use of a product according to FIG. 10, the rear portion 2 isfolded along the line L in spite of the absence of the elastic means. Inthis case also, stiffening of the rear portion is therefore obtainedafter folding of the rear portion along the line L. The flexuralrigidity increases after folding of the product along the line L, whichresults in the rear portion of the product becoming more stable. Thefold formed along the line L will, during use of the product, penetratea little way into the cleft between the buttocks of the wearer and inthis way contribute to the product staying in position in the lateraldirection at the same time as the fold catches any bodily fluid runningin the cleft between the buttocks of the wearer.

The product according to FIG. 10 also differs from the embodimentaccording to FIGS. 6-9 in that the hump-forming element 24 has straightend edge sides and also the same width along its entire length. Thehump-forming element is suitably of such a thickness that the product isat least twice as thick directly in front of the raised portion 240 asthe surrounding areas 25, 26.

Even when the end edge sides are straight, the product will during useshape itself essentially as described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9above, that is to say a point of inflexion is formed at the transition12 between the front portion and the crotch portion. In front of thepoint of inflexion, the product is concave and bowl-shaped, whereas itadopts a convex shape behind this point of inflexion. With theembodiment according to FIG. 10 as well, the bowl shape is evenlyrounded and does not have any troublesome creases.

No troublesome creases will arise in the transition area between thecrotch portion and the rear portion either, but the product according toFIG. 10 will in this area also shape itself in essentially the samemanner as described above in association with the embodiment accordingto FIGS. 6-9.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in the form of a nappy. This has a frontportion 40, a crotch portion 41 and a rear portion 42. The front portion40 and the rear portion 42 are intended to be arranged around the waistof the wearer when the nappy is put on and to be closed in the fittedposition by means of tape flaps 43, 44. In FIG. 11, the nappy is showndiagrammatically in plane form from the inside and is provided with acovering in the form of a liquid-permeable inner layer 45, suitably madeof what is known as a non-woven, and an outer layer made of thin plasticfilm (not shown), suitably made of polyethylene. Inside the inner layer,an essentially hourglass-shaped absorption layer 46 is indicated, whichis thin and very flexible. Leg elastic 47, 48, which is intended toclose tightly around the thighs of the wearer during use of the nappy,has been arranged along the edge portion in the crotch portion.

FIG. 11 shows diagrammatically a stiffening and at the same timeabsorbent element 6 of the same type as in the illustrative embodimentsdescribed above. The components corresponding to similar parts in theillustrative embodiments described above have been provided with thesame reference numbers in FIG. 11. The stiffening absorbent element isanatomically adapted in the same manner as in the illustrativeembodiments described above, with a dimension M adapted to the distancebetween said muscle tendons directly in front of the groins and with acrotch length G adapted to the crotch length of the wearer and withangles and geometry also as described above.

As mentioned above, a person has essentially the same dimension Mthroughout his or her whole life. The length of the crotch is also ofessentially the same order of size on infants and adults. In principle,therefore, nappies according to FIG. 11 function for both children andadults if the size of the nappy as a whole is adapted.

A nappy according to the invention of the type shown in FIG. 11 has asuperior fit compared with conventional nappies. The presence of thestiffening element means that, when the nappy is put on, it is guidedinto the correct position on the wearer and that it remains in thisposition during use of the product.

In all the illustrative embodiments described above, the width of thestiffening and at the same time absorbent element 6 increasescontinuously from the transition 12 between the front portion 1 and thecrotch portion 3 to the transition area 20 between the crotch portion 3and the rear portion. One reason for this is that the available spacebetween the legs of the wearer is very limited and it is important toutilize the width of this area optimally. The width can increase in theorder of 1.5 times between the transition 12 and the transition area 20without the wearer finding it uncomfortable. Another reason is that theproduct is more stable on the wearer when the stiffening element is madeas wide as possible along the crotch portion.

The invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments describedabove, but a large number of modifications are possible within the scopeof the patent claims below.

For example, anatomically shaped stiffening and absorbent elements ofthe type described above can be arranged in what are known as nappypants, that is to say where the nappy is integrated into disposablepants.

It has been stated above that the stiffening absorbent element can bemade from different materials and from laminates or one or morematerial(s). The stiffening absorbent element can also be made from morethan one layer and with the extent of the individual layers beingdifferent, in which way it is possible for different areas of thestiffening element to have different stiffness.

As mentioned above, the stiffening element can consist of all thematerial layers and bonding agents included. Different stiffness indifferent areas of the stiffening element can therefore also be obtainedby varying the degree of connection in different areas, for exampledifferent quantities of adhesive in different areas and even the absenceof adhesive or other bonding agent in different areas between or inindividual layers.

The weight per unit area of the stiffening element produced from adry-formed fibre mat is not limited to the order of 100-400 g/m², butother weights per unit area are possible within the scope of theinvention.

The elastic means 16, which is arranged in the cutout 13, has beenindicated in the illustrative embodiments described above as having beenarranged in a pretensioned state. However, in the manufacture ofabsorbent products such as sanitary towels, nappies and the like, it isknown to arrange a heat-sensitive elastic means in an untensioned stateand tension the elastic by heat treatment. This usually takes place whenthe articles are packed.

Although the present invention has been described in connection withpreferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that additions, deletions, modifications, and substitutionsnot specifically described may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1. An absorbent product having a longitudinal direction and a transversedirection, the absorbent product comprising: a front portion, a rearportion, a crotch portion located between the rear portion and the frontportion, an absorbent element and a liquidtight layer and a stiffeningelement which contributes to a three-dimensional shape of the productduring its use, wherein the stiffening element is in a plane statebefore use of the product, the stiffening element extends in thelongitudinal direction of the product over the crotch portion and atleast a part of the front portion so as to define a stiffening elementcrotch portion and a stiffening element front portion, the stiffeningelement has a width at the transition between the crotch portion and thefront portion thereof which is adapted to a distance between the muscletendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in thegroin of the latter and which is about 15-45 mm, the stiffening elementcrotch portion has a crotch length of about 70-120 mm, the side edges ofthe stiffening element front portion diverge in the direction from thestiffening element crotch portion at least some way in over the frontportion of the product, and the side edges of the stiffening element inthe front portion of the product, in the direction from the crotch area,form an acute angle with a line in the longitudinal direction of theproduct, wherein the stiffening element is absorbent and at the sametime constitutes the absorbent element, and the stiffening elementswells during absorption while on the whole retaining its geometry inthe transverse direction of the product; wherein the stiffening elementhas a stiffness in the dry state of in the order of 1-15 N measuredaccording to ASTM D 4032-82; wherein the stiffening element comprises adry-formed fibre mat with a density between 0.15 and 0.75 g/cm3 and aweight per unit area of in the order of 100-400 g/cm2; and wherein theproduct is arranged so as, by virtue of the stiffness selected for thestiffening element and by virtue of the selection of said geometry anddimensions in and around the transition between the crotch portion andthe front portion, when the product is positioned in connection with itbeing put on with the transition between the front portion and thecrotch portion between said muscle tendons, to be fixed in between theseand in this way the stiffening element and the product can betransformed from plane form to three-dimensional form with the frontportion curved upwards in relation to the crotch portion and forming abowl-like shape at least in an area next to the crotch portion.
 2. Theproduct according to claim 1, wherein the width of the stiffeningelement at the transition between the crotch portion and the frontportion is 20-35 mm.
 3. The product according to claim 1, wherein thewidth of the stiffening element at the transition between the crotchportion and the front portion is 25-30 mm.
 4. The product according toclaim 1, wherein the dry-formed fibre mat is, after compression,mechanically softened to a desired stiffness.
 5. The product accordingto claim 1, wherein the dry-formed fibre mat is imparted a desiredstiffness and a desired extensibility by virtue of a degree ofcompression selected and a compression pattern selected.
 6. The productaccording to claim 1, wherein the side edges of the stiffening element,which diverge from the crotch portion over the front portion of theproduct, are arranged so as to form an angle between a line in thelongitudinal direction of the product and each of said side edges ofabout 35-55°.
 7. The product according to claim 1, wherein thestiffening element also extends over the rear portion of the product,and in the rear portion, the side edges of the stiffening element, inthe direction from the crotch portion, diverge at least some way fromthe crotch portion in over the rear portion of the product.
 8. Theproduct according to claim 6, wherein in the rear portion, thestiffening element has a cutout extending from the end edge of thestiffening element in the direction of the crotch portion, as a resultof which the product is during use imparted a fold along thelongitudinal direction of the product in said cutout, which fold extendsinto the cleft between the buttocks of the wearer during use of theproduct.
 9. The product according to claim 8, wherein the cutout iswedge-shaped and symmetrically located and forms an angle between 100°and 120° at its end facing the crotch portion.
 10. An absorbent producthaving a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, theabsorbent product comprising: a front portion, a rear portion, a crotchportion located between the rear portion and the front portion, anabsorbent element and a liquidtight layer and a stiffening element whichcontributes to a three-dimensional shade of the product during its use,wherein the stiffening element is in a Diane state before use of theproduct, the stiffening element extends in the longitudinal direction ofthe product over the crotch portion and at least a part of the frontportion, the stiffening element has a width at the transition betweenthe crotch portion and the front portion which is adapted to a distancebetween the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch ofthe wearer in the groin of the latter and which is about 15-45 mm, thestiffening element has a crotch length of about 70-120 mm, the sideedges of the stiffening element in the front portion of the productdiverge in the direction from the crotch portion at least some way inover the front portion, and the side edges of the stiffening element inthe front portion of the product, in the direction from the crotch area,form an acute angle with a line in the longitudinal direction of theproduct, wherein the stiffening element is absorbent and at the sametime constitutes the absorbent element, and the stiffening elementswells during absorption while on the whole retaining its geometry inthe transverse direction of the product; wherein the stiffening elementhas a stiffness in the dry state of in the order of 1-15 N measuredaccording to ASTM D 4032-82; wherein the stiffening element comprises adry-formed fibre mat with a density between 0.15 and 0.75 g/cm3 and aweight per unit area of in the order of 100°-400 g/m2; wherein theproduct is arranged so as, by virtue of the stiffness selected for thestiffening element and by virtue of the selection of said geometry anddimensions in and around the transition between the crotch portion andthe front portion, when the product is positioned in connection with itbeing put on with the transition between the front portion and thecrotch portion between said muscle tendons, to be fixed in between theseand in this way be transformed from plane form to three-dimensional formwith the front portion curved upwards in relation to the crotch portionand forming a bowl-like shape at least in an area next to the crotchportion; and wherein a hump-forming element made of a resilient materialis arranged under the absorbent element over at least a part of thecrotch portion, which hump-forming element is arranged so as to bringabout a raised portion on the side which is intended to be fittedagainst the wearer, the raised portion being arranged so as to come tolie directly in front of the genitals of the wearer after fitting of theproduct on the wearer.
 11. The product according to claim 10, whereinthe raised portion is elongate in the longitudinal direction of theproduct and has a length of between 20 mm and 120 mm.
 12. The productaccording to claim 10, wherein the raised portion is narrower than theproduct as a whole in the crotch area, and in that the raised portion isat least twice as thick as the surrounding areas.
 13. An absorbentproduct having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, theabsorbent product comprising: a front portion, a rear portion, a crotchportion located between the rear portion and the front portion, anabsorbent element and a liquidtight layer and a stiffening element whichcontributes to a three-dimensional shape of the product during its use,wherein the stiffening element is in a plane state before use of theproduct, the stiffening element extends in the longitudinal direction ofthe product over the crotch portion and at least a part of the frontportion, the stiffening element has a width at the transition betweenthe crotch portion and the front portion which is adapted to a distancebetween the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch ofthe wearer in the groin of the latter and which is about 15-45 mm. thestiffening element has a crotch length of about 70-20 mm, the side edgesof the stiffening element in the front portion of the product diverge inthe direction from the crotch portion at least some way in over thefront portion, and the side edges of the stiffening element in the frontportion of the product, in the direction from the crotch area, form anacute angle with a line in the longitudinal direction of the product,wherein the stiffening element is absorbent and at the same timeconstitutes the absorbent element, and the stiffening element swellsduring absorption while on the whole retaining its geometry in thetransverse direction of the product; wherein the stiffening element hasa stiffness in the dry state of in the order of 1-15 N measuredaccording to ASTM D 4032-82; wherein the stiffening element comprises adry-formed fibre mat with a density between 0.15 and 0.75 g/cm3 and aweight per unit area of in the order of 100-400 g/m2; wherein theproduct is arranged so as, by virtue of the stiffness selected for thestiffening element and by virtue of the selection of said geometry anddimensions in and around the transition between the crotch portion andthe front portion, when the product is positioned in connection with itbeing put on with the transition between the front portion and thecrotch portion between said muscle tendons, to be fixed in between theseand in this way be transformed from plane form to three-dimensional formwith the front portion curved upwards in relation to the crotch portionand forming a bowl-like shape at least in an area next to the crotchportion; and wherein an elastic is arranged in the longitudinaldirection of the product and centrally along the rear portion of theproduct and at least along a part thereof from the crotch portion, whichelastic is adapted, along its length, to draw adjacent material portionstogether and curve the product upwards for better contact with the bodyof the wearer.
 14. The product according to claim 1, wherein thestiffening element serves as the absorbent element and has very greatliquid-spreading capacity for spreading bodily fluid received in therelatively narrow crotch area bounded by the anatomy of the wearerdirectly in front of the genitals of the wearer over the absorbentportions of the whole product, and the stiffening element is designedwith great swelling capacity in the depth direction and attendant greatabsorption capacity.
 15. The product according to claim 14, wherein thestiffening element is essentially homogeneous over its entire extentwith regard to thickness, stiffness, spreading capacity and absorptioncapacity, as a result of which the stiffening element and thus also theabsorbent element curve evenly during use without forming localirregularities which may give rise to undesirable spreading of liquid.16. The product according to claim 1, wherein the length of thetransition between the crotch portion and the front portion, in whichthe width of the stiffening element is adapted to the distance betweenthe muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of thewearer in the groin of the latter, is about 5-15 mm.
 17. The productaccording to claim 16, wherein the stiffening element also constitutesthe absorbent element, and in that the width of the stiffening elementafter said transition increases continuously in the crotch portion inthe backward direction towards the rear portion for the purpose ofoptimally utilizing available width space in this area with regard tomaximum absorption.
 18. The product according to claim 1, wherein theacute angle formed by the side edges of the stiffening element in thefront portion of the product is about 35°-55°.
 19. The product accordingto claim 18, wherein the angle is about 45°.
 20. The product accordingto claim 9, wherein the angle of the cutout is between 15° and 400°.